There’s literally no place in the Quad-Cities like Rozz-Tox. After marking its 10th anniversary in 2021, the quirky café has been closed for renovations for the past couple of months. It will reopen with its dazzlingly diverse lineup, Asian-inspired menu, and offbeat charm on Feb. 11. During a traditionally slow time of year anyway, the remodel will make the place feel smaller and more intimate, Rozz-Tox owner/manager Ben Fawks said recently. “I think it’s going to feel a little more comfortable, a little more cozy,” Fawks said, noting there will be fewer live shows. “We’re... Read More

The following article is part of QuadCities.com’s partnership with local music website The Echo. For more, check out theechoqc.com! Echo: How did you get started promoting shows? Benjamin: I was living in South China, this was 2006, when I started getting into booking and running a venue. I was doing that for around three years there when certain circumstances lead me to come back here. to my home town. I was enjoying it so much over there that I decided that I was going to do it here. I didn’t want to do anything else. I didn’t want to work for anyone. It was kind of like make this happen... Read More

Rozz-Tox, 2108 3rd Ave., Rock Island, will host its first indoor show since March 2020 on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m., with the bands Thick Paint (Omaha) and Salsa Chest (Atlanta). Doors will open at 7 p.m., with show at 8 p.m., and $10 admission, limited to 50 people maximum. Rozz-Tox owner Benjamin Fawks said recently he waited until now to have an indoor concert “because it felt right — I just didn’t think it was responsible to have indoor gatherings during a pandemic. plus a lot of the artists that I book here were not touring for the same reason. “This is slowly changing and we have... Read More

Two icons of the Quad-Cities indie scene celebrate birthdays today, as Moline’s CoOp Records and Rock Island’s Rozz Tox are both blowing out the candles (Rozz Tox’ are probably on cupcakes), and although they’re both suffused with a spirit of fun, their success is serious testament to hard work and an example of how to do local business right. It was 26 years ago that music scene fixture and die-hard Replacements fan Reid Robinson decided to take the leap and open up CoOp at 3727 Avenue of the Cities, Moline. Little did he know he was getting in when the getting was about to get anything... Read More

One of the most unique spots in the Quad-Cities is celebrating its ninth birthday today! Rock Island’s Rozz-Tox turns nine today, marking almost a decade of some of the most distinct live performances and exhibits in the area. Rozz-Tox has hosted everything from raves to live music to art shows to live talk shows and more, all while maintaining a singular aura and vibe, as well as a widely varied menu of drinks and food and a definitely funky and fun atmosphere. Owner Benjamin Fawks said the following on his Facebook page today: “I am so grateful for the support we’ve had over... Read More

Two icons of the Quad-Cities indie scene celebrate birthdays today, on April Fools Day. Moline’s CoOp Records and Rock Island’s Rozz Tox are both blowing out the candles (Rozz Tox’ are probably on cupcakes), and although they’re both suffused with a spirit of fun, their success is serious testament to hard work and an example of how to do local business right. It was 24 years ago that music scene fixture and die-hard Replacements fan Reid Robinson decided to take the leap and open up CoOp at 3727 Avenue of the Cities, Moline. Little did he know he was getting in when the getting was about... Read More